From Bored to Overwhelmed: 13 Ways to Cope with a High Risk Pregnancy

Each pregnancy comes with it’s own new set of stresses and difficulties. But high risk pregnancies can cause these emotions to hit an extreme.

If you’re classified as a high risk pregnancy, it could still mean different things for you in the upcoming months than someone else who is also high risk. The amount of time on bed rest varies from hospital, to complete at home, to partial where you’re allowed a certain amount of minutes to get up per day. Pelvic rest could be recommended for those who run the risk of preterm labor. Throw in pills, shots, and multiple appointments and you’ve got a recipe for one overwhelmed mama to be.

After 3 varying degrees of high risk pregnancies, I’m sharing what I’ve learned over the years and what others have taught me about coping with them as well. From finding any type of down time, dealing with young children in your home, to learning how (and who) to ask for help, the tips and methods below will help you feel a little more in control and settled.

Click through for some ways to pass the time until your baby is here:

13 Ways to Cope with a High Risk Pregnancy 1 of 14

Click through to see them all!

Find Inspiration 2 of 14

Since tattoos are off limits while pregnant, I find necklaces and rings help remind me to stay positive and focused on what I can lose sight of. This necklace would be ideal for a mama struggling to get through her pregnancy or bed rest days. To Purchase: Kennabelle Designs via Etsy.com

Make (Doable) Lists 3 of 14

You might be limited to a certain amount of time you can be up, or just physically what you're able to do. It's easy to get overwhelmed when you feel crunched for time. Make daily and weekly lists that are feasible for you to do. As time passes, you'll be able to see what you might need to ask for help with.

Keep Your Appointments 4 of 14

There was a time when I was driving nearly an hour each way, 2-3 times a week, to see all my doctors for this pregnancy. It was overwhelming and, since the majority were scheduled at nap time, expensive to hire a sitter. I felt like my entire life revolved around being poked and prodded. 20 weeks in and things look good, I'm so glad I did the hard work first and now get to settle in to much less stressful weeks.

Ask Your Partner For Help 5 of 14

They're invested in your pregnancy too. It's a lot easier for someone to help you when you tell them what you need. If you partner heads to work and you're at home, ask them the night before to do certain things (empty the dishwasher, take out the trash, clean the cat litter) before they go.

Get Lots of Sunshine 6 of 14

Vitamin D is triggered in your body by sunlight. Being outside 15 minutes a day even helps you sleep better at night, something every pregnant woman needs. Read more at USNews.com

Organize Your Medications 7 of 14

Depending on what your pregnancy has been classified as high risk for, you may have a lot of medications to take during the day. Avoid missing a dose by organizing and keeping them in plain sight. I keep all mine in my bathroom on the shelf to keep a routine of taking most of my meds before bed.

Keep a Good Water Bottle Close 8 of 14

Hydration during pregnancy helps slow contractions, flushes out toxins, and makes (some) morning sickness easier to manage. Buy a double insulated bottle to keep from having to wipe up condensation. Read more at LiveStrong.comTo Purchase the bottle featured go to Amazon.com

Take Your Support System 9 of 14

For t least one of your appointments, someone close to you should come along. If for nothing else than simply a deeper understanding of what is expected of you, and to encourage you if things get harder.

Rest When You Can 10 of 14

High risk and some sort of rest (bed, pelvic) usually go hand in hand. Carve out a bit of time each day to simply relax. In our home, we have a rule: "Everyone takes a rest every day. Period." Whether or not my daughter naps or plays in her room, this allows me to gather myself physically and mentally for the rest of the day.

Eat Healthy but Simple 11 of 14

You might be pouring meds, shots, and other things into your body, but you can help some of that with good food. Getting the right nutrition is essential during pregnancy, but keep it simple. Lots of veggies can be eaten raw, salads can be ordered, chicken can be grilled instead of fried. It's SO hard if you're also sick, just keep in mind a few weeks of not so great choices probably won't hurt a whole lot.

Clarify With Your Dr. 12 of 14

What does pelvic rest mean for you? What kind of bed rest should you be on - can you get up at all? Do any of your medications have to be taken at a certain time? Write down a list of your questions and take them to your next appointment. It'll bring you peace of mind and the ability to plan your days easier when you know what's expected.

Hire Help 13 of 14

Having a child or children at home while you're somewhat or fully incapacitated is hard on everyone - but especially mom mentally. A bored, unhappy child can cause even more stress when there isn't much you can do. Consider hiring someone to give you a break and your child some one on one attention and activities when you can. Sittercity is our favorite (and military memberships are free!), but your neighborhood might be a great place to find a teen to help after school or a college student looking for some extra cash.

Find a Hobby 14 of 14

If you're on bed rest, this is crucial. The start of my personal blog actually came about because I was on bedrest for 6 weeks with my daughter. It's boring and can seem unending, so in between books, movies, and fun trashy magazines - pick something to keep your hands and mind busy.

Please note that this post is not to be substituted for any medical advice given. Always check with your physician with any questions and concerns.

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